NBA: 2022-23 Western Conference pre-season playoff projections

5. Los Angeles Lakers

There may not be many experts high on the Los Angeles Lakers, but I’m willing to through my neck out there – even if you don’t consider me an expert. If the Lakers can remain relatively healthy this season – and I know that’s far from a certainty – they will have a shot to be a dark horse contender in the Western Conference.

With LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers should have a shot either way. However, if the rest of their roster can also begin to click with their two stars, Los Angeles has a real shot to win a championship this season.

I don’t think that’s being talked about enough. I get it. The jokes are great. That’s what gets the clicks. But the Lakers are a bigger threat than many realize. And if either Russell Westbrook begins to fit better or they move him for two players that do fit, the Lakers could be a problem late in the season.